Using the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) Calculator
Use a deposit within your remaining aggregate scheme limit, then check the interest rate applicable when the account was opened. The estimate models twenty full quarters; an actual opening between quarter boundaries may produce a different first payout.
Worked example
Use the example inputs below to reproduce this result. These are the form's starting values, not recommended targets. Changing your inputs updates your result above; this worked example stays fixed for comparison. Results are rounded for display.
Example inputs
- Age at opening — standard age-60 route
- 65
- Deposit (₹), multiple of ₹1,000
- 1000000
- Assumed annual interest (%) — editable
- 8.2
Example result
- Quarterly income before tax (₹)
- 20,500
- Annual income before tax (₹)
- 82,000
- Total 5-year income (₹)
- 410,000
- Principal at maturity (₹)
- 1,000,000
- Total principal + income (₹)
- 1,410,000
Method and assumptions
Editable rates start from the October–December 2026 small-savings rate table. Use the rate applicable to your issue; future rates are not guaranteed. Standard age-60 entry scenario, ₹30 lakh aggregate maximum assumed available, five years, 20 full quarters, interest paid rather than compounded. Partial first/last quarter day calculations, younger-retiree exceptions, extension, TDS and early closure penalties are excluded. Existing SCSS accounts count toward the aggregate cap.
Reference: indiapost.gov.in — method and further reading
Distinguish gross pay from money available to spend
A pay conversion can describe earnings before deductions without predicting the deposit into a bank account. Check which amount each input represents and whether unpaid time is included. For budgeting, keep deductions and irregular payments visible. Bonuses, benefits and payroll schedules can make an annualized estimate differ from any individual paycheck.
Common question
Does quarterly SCSS interest compound automatically?
The modeled quarterly amount is paid out rather than added to the principal. The maturity principal therefore stays equal to the deposit. If you reinvest payouts elsewhere, model that separate investment with its own rate, timing and tax assumptions.